What Advice Do Landscape Architects Have for Creating Low-Maintenance Landscapes?
Crafting a low-maintenance landscape design is both an art and a science, and who better to provide advice than professionals in the field? From a Designer's strategy of planting en masse with fast spreaders to an Arborist's emphasis on choosing local native species, we've compiled the top four pieces of advice from industry experts.
- Plant En Masse with Fast Spreaders
- Choose Local Native Species
- Supply Native Plants to Businesses
- Advocate for Native Plants in Designs
Plant En Masse with Fast Spreaders
My suggestion is to plant en masse using plant species that spread quickly. The practice of planting 'en masse' means to plant species within cohesive and concentrated areas. By planting a dense grouping of limited species, it creates a fabulous display that is visually attractive, striking, and requires minimal upkeep. This is because planting en masse helps to preserve soil moisture and suppresses weeds while simultaneously creating a stunning focal point. You can further enhance this effect by selecting plant species that spread quickly. For instance, one of my wonderful clients had an extensive bank area of approximately 300 m2. This provided a delightful challenge and an ideal landscape for ethereal drifts of Stipa tenuissima (Mexican feathergrass), Nepeta 'Walker’s Low' (Catmint) balanced by elegant Salvia 'Caradonna' (Woodland Sage). As you can imagine, this resulted in a spectacular display of various shades of purple, contrasting beautifully against soft, pale greens. The elegant form of the Salvia 'Caradonna' was perfectly balanced by the cloud-like structures of Stipa tenuissima and Nepeta 'Walker’s Low'. This provides an excellent example of how planting en masse with carefully selected species can create a beautiful visual aesthetic while providing the low-maintenance result many of us desire.
Choose Local Native Species
One piece of advice I often share as an arborist for creating a low-maintenance landscape design is to select native plants and trees. Native species are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, which means they require less water, fewer fertilizers, and minimal care compared to non-native species. In my work, I prioritize these plants in my designs, creating ecosystems that not only thrive with minimal intervention but also support local wildlife. This approach has not only simplified landscape maintenance for my clients but also promoted biodiversity and sustainability within their gardens. By embracing the natural beauty and resilience of native species, we can create stunning landscapes that are both easy to care for and environmentally friendly.
